But Brewbaker said that although current law allows the state to intervene with school systems for financial problems, it needs to be strengthened to authorize intervention for academic problems.

“There’s been no way to force a local board to do its job,” Brewbaker said.

In a statement, State School Superintendent Tommy Bice said he was in favor of the bill.

“We are in total support of this bill as it would clarify any lasting questions as to the State Board’s authority under intervention, create a holistic approach to the process as most systems that struggle financially also experience issues in their academic and related programs, and it would allow us to assist in a more timely manner with the goal of returning the system to a stable foundation and most importantly a quality education environment for their students,” Bice said.

The bill passed by a vote of 29-0. It now moves to the House.

According to the bill, the purpose is to clarify and confirm the authority of the state superintendent to take direct and full control of school systems that have shown an inability to function to an extent that “threatens to deprive students of essential educational services.”

The bill defines a “priority school” as one in which a majority of students scores one or more grade level below standards. Or the state superintendent could designate a school as a priority school.

The bill sets up criteria under which the superintendent could undertake an educational intervention in a school system, such as if a majority of schools in a system are priority schools.

The state superintendent would provide written notice to the school system and request a show-cause why the intervention should not be done.

If, after the school system’s response, the superintendent deemed intervention warranted, the superintendent would ask the state Board of Education in writing for a resolution authorizing the intervention.

That resolution would include specific conditions under which the school system would be released from intervention.

The state superintendent could exercise control directly or designate a chief administrative officer.